The Heartwarming Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe You’ll Love

German street food culture bursts with flavor, and these hearty frikadellen pack a delicious punch that captures the essence of traditional meat patties.

Crispy on the outside and tender within, these german hamburgers blend ground beef and pork with aromatic herbs and spices.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved recipe, passing down techniques that create mouthwatering results.

The blend of minced meat, onions, and carefully selected seasonings transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.

Each frikadelle tells a story of comfort and culinary heritage from germany’s rich food traditions.

Serve these juicy patties with a side of tangy mustard or creamy potato salad for an authentic dining experience that brings the streets of berlin right to your table.

Different Takes on Authentic German Frikadellen to Try

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of traditional frikadellen.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with plant-based ground protein like lentils, mushrooms, or Beyond Meat crumbles, keeping the original spice profile and cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs, ensuring the patties maintain their binding and texture.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Add chopped jalapeños, increased paprika, or red pepper flakes to create a zesty, more intense flavor profile for those who enjoy extra heat.

Great Sides to Serve with German Frikadellen

• Pair with Crisp German Beer: Complement the hearty Frikadellen with a classic German pilsner or wheat beer, cutting through the meat's richness and enhancing the savory flavors.
• Serve with Tangy Potato Salad: Classic German kartoffelsalat with a vinegar-based dressing provides a zesty, cool contrast to the warm, juicy meat patties and adds traditional German culinary authenticity.
• Match with Spicy Mustard Sauce: Prepare a homemade mustard sauce using Dijon or German whole-grain mustard to elevate the Frikadellen's flavor profile, adding a sharp and creamy condiment that highlights the meat's seasoning.

Storing German Frikadellen for Best Freshness

• Store leftover frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each patty individually with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place cooled frikadellen in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm individual patties on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for authentic German Frikadellen?

Ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, sauteed onions, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and optional paprika are the essential ingredients that create the traditional flavor profile of German hamburgers.

• Can I use a different type of meat for Frikadellen?

While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute with ground pork or a mix of beef and pork to create a slightly different taste and texture.

• How do I know when Frikadellen are fully cooked?

Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and have a golden brown exterior, which typically takes 5-7 minutes per side in a skillet.

Authentic German Frikadellen: The Burger You Didn’t Know You Needed

• Unlock Flavor Depth: Searing beef before slow cooking creates a rich, complex taste that transforms an ordinary stew into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Slow cooker method allows you to toss ingredients together and walk away, making dinner preparation stress-free and convenient for busy households.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe welcomes personal touches like adding peas or serving over different bases, ensuring everyone can enjoy their perfect comfort food experience.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Loaded with vegetables and protein, this stew delivers a wholesome one-pot meal that nourishes and satisfies hungry family members of all ages.

What Goes Into Authentic German Frikadellen (Hamburgers)

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich foundation for the traditional German hamburger patties.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: These ingredients help hold the meat mixture together and provide a consistent texture.

• Onions, Dijon Mustard, Parsley, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: These ingredients add depth, complexity, and a classic German taste profile to the frikadellen.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for sautéing onions and cooking the meat patties to achieve a golden brown exterior.

How to Cook Authentic German Frikadellen Like a Local

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Warm a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and golden, stirring occasionally.

Allow onions to cool down slightly before incorporating them into the meat mixture.

Step 2: Create Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Sautéed onions
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika (optional)

Blend all ingredients thoroughly using your hands until well integrated.

Step 3: Form Hamburger Patties

Divide the meat mixture into uniform portions. Gently shape each portion into round, flat patties approximately 3/4 inch thick.

Ensure the edges are smooth and compact.

Step 4: Pan-Fry Frikadellen

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place patties into the hot pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

The exterior should be crispy while maintaining a juicy interior.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer cooked frikadellen onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Plate the hamburgers while warm. Traditional German accompaniments include potato salad, green salad, or crusty bread.

Tips That Will Perfect Your German Frikadellen

• Gently cook onions until translucent to release natural sweetness without burning, which prevents bitter taste in the frikadellen.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs and an egg to help patties hold together, creating a tender and cohesive texture that won't fall apart during cooking.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure frikadellen reach 160°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy hamburgers every time.
• Mix ingredients gently and minimally to prevent tough, dense patties – light handling keeps the meat tender and soft.
• Place cooked frikadellen on paper towels to absorb extra grease, maintaining a crispy exterior and preventing soggy results.

Authentic German Frikadellen Recipe (German Hamburgers)

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy German Frikadellen spark culinary magic, bringing Berlin street food charm to home kitchens. Crispy outside, tender inside, these classic hamburgers invite you to savor Germany’s hearty comfort cuisine with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize finely chopped onions in a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until translucent and softened, creating a sweet aromatic base for the meat mixture.
2. Allow the sauteed onions to cool slightly, preventing them from cooking the raw egg when combined with other ingredients.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, beaten egg, cooled onions, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and optional paprika until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Gently form the meat mixture into uniform oval-shaped patties, approximately 3/4 inch thick, ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
5. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating an ideal searing temperature around 350°F.
6. Carefully place patties into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 5-7 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
7. Transfer cooked frikadellen onto paper towels to absorb excess oil, preserving their crispy exterior and juicy interior.
8. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by traditional German side dishes like potato salad or fresh green salad.

Notes

• Ensure onions are finely chopped and cooled to prevent making the meat mixture watery and losing flavor intensity.
• Use lean ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juiciest, most flavorful frikadellen that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Season patties generously and taste a small test piece by cooking a tiny amount to adjust salt and spice levels before forming entire batch.
• Consider gluten-free alternative by replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg